Top Foods And Drinks That Cause Dental Erosion

As the saying goes, you are what you eat. And you can see that in no better place than your mouth. This is because most of the foods and drinks we take may lead to the formation of plaques and may cause harm to our teeth. Tartar is a hard deposit of substances, minerals, and food materials that is a byproduct of bacteria and is a major cause of gum diseases and tooth decay.

What is the best way to avoid plaque interfering with the health of your mouth? In addition to maintaining a daily oral care routine of brushing your teeth at least twice daily, flossing, and seeing a dentist at Potranco Road Dental Office TX, you must also minimize or avoid the following foods.

What Is Dental Erosion?

Although our teeth are notably strong, especially the outer layer known as enamel, intake of so many fruits and fruit juices often results in the enamel’s demineralization. These areas of the enamel may then become stained or sensitive to hot, cold, or sweet foods and later may decay and require special forms of restoration. The saliva’s calcium may help strengthen the enamel, as stated by the AGD. Still, there will be no remineralization process if the mouth’s environment is acidic.

Symptoms that indicate teeth erosion by Acid

When the enamel on your teeth begins to wear away, you may notice uncomfortable symptoms, such as:

• Having a sensitive tooth when taking foods that are hot or cold.
• Discoloration of the dental fillings
• Stains on the teeth which is more likely to turn yellow.

Severe cases of tooth erosion can lead to tooth loss and tooth abscesses. Sometimes, you might have to get a filling for caries or root treatment or consult with your dentist regarding veneers for stains.

Top Foods That Cause Dental Erosion

• Citrus Fruits: Oranges, lemons, limes, and grapefruits are all very acidic and can lead to dental erosion in most people. Even though they are rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, they are acidic and can cause the erosion of the enamel lining in the mouth when consumed frequently.
• Tomatoes: Whether eaten raw or prepared into sauce or soups, Tomatoes are also an acidic food item that leads to dental erosion. Sour tomatoes will weaken the outer coating, making teeth and gums more vulnerable to wear.
• Pickles: Pickles are stored in acidic solutions, including vinegar, which contributes to tooth demineralization. The consumption of pickles also causes enamel loss and may lead to tooth decay due to the high acidity levels.
• Berries: Although strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries are crunchy and contain antioxidants, they are also acidic. They might cause decay of the enamel if taken frequently.
• Sports gels and gummies: Some of these snacks have become popular among endurance athletes as energy sources for their performance, but the snacks contain a lot of sugars that cause tooth erosion.
• Sour candy: Well, candy of any kind is not good for you, but sour candy also tends to be citrus-flavored, which is detrimental to teeth.
• Dried fruit: Nuts, raisins, and other dried fruits are very nutritious, but they also contain a lot of sugars and are hard to wash away from the teeth. If you do not remove it, the sugar settles on the teeth and dissolves the enamel.

Top Drinks That Cause Dental Erosion

• Soft Drinks (Soda): Soft drinks play a major role in dental erosion because they are consumed frequently. They have citric and phosphoric acids, which are very bad for the enamel of the teeth. Furthermore, due to their high sugar concentrations, many sodas are ideal for the growth of the wrong oral bacteria that cause even more decay.
• Sports and Energy Drinks: Most sports and energy drinks, mainly targeted at sportspersons, are highly acidic and, when consumed, lead to dental erosion to a large extent. These drinks also often contain high amounts of sugar added to them.
• Fruit Juices: Nowadays, people use natural or organic juices. Still, they are very acidic, which causes the enamel to deteriorate. Orange juice, apple juice, and grape juice are some of the most acidic types of juice.
• Wine: All wines, including red and white wines, contain acids that can cause the teeth’ enamel deterioration. White wine is less acidic than red wine, but both can be erosive to the teeth if consumed regularly.
• Coffee: Coffee is slightly acidic and can cause dental erosion when drunk frequently or in large quantities. Furthermore, coffee contains stains that cause discoloration on the teeth, which is also a cosmetic problem.

Ways to Maintain Good Oral Health

You can reduce tooth erosion from what you eat and drink by following these tips:

• Do not brush your teeth straight after consuming foods high in acid. Waiting for at least an hour allows saliva to neutralize the acids and remineralize your teeth.
• Avoid or minimize the consumption of food and drinks such as soft drinks. If you do go overboard, then at least use a straw.
  Do not gargle or keep food or a drink, such as a soft drink, in your mouth for a long time. Just sip and swallow.
• To neutralize the effects, it is recommended that after consuming foods or drinks with high acidic content, it should be followed by drinking water, milk, or chewing on some cheese. Calcium sources such as dairy products can be of the essence in counteracting acids within the body.
• Saliva has the primary role of controlling the amount of acid. The ADA has approved sugarless gum to maintain saliva production and protect teeth.
• Some readily available dental health products include flosses, fluoride toothpaste, mouth rinses, and toothbrushes; one should opt for the products bearing the ADA Seal of Acceptance. This means the product is safe and effective for use. Some have been accredited with the ADA Seal because of their ability to prevent and reduce dietary enamel erosion acids.
• Talk to your dentist. Your dentist will also educate you on how a certain kind of food and which kind of drink affects your teeth. To retain a healthy and beautiful smile for a long time, it is crucial to comprehend as much as possible about how the foods and liquids that one consumes impact the teeth. Potranco Road Dental Office TX, provides the necessary guidance to avoid teeth erosion.

Summing It Up

Dental erosion is a problem that affects many people and has various consequences for your dental health. The common foods and beverages causing teeth wear should be known to make changes and protect your teeth. These basic concepts, caution, proper care for the oral cavity, and a simple trick – using a straw while consuming some product or rinsing with water help protect teeth. So always try to eat the right foods and ensure you know the effects of the food and drinks on your teeth.